Older people- what exactly did they mean?

[C3line]

Are they supposed to be away from everybody! When does it start?

[LoudBatPerson]

Well they said they will ask for that towards the end of this week.

Those over 70 and also adults with the "at risk" health conditions and pregnant women will all be asked to self isolate (apart from walks keeping away from other people) for 12 weeks.

[C3line]

Do they have to keep completely away from family if healthy over 70s?

[screamer1]

Yes

[C3line]

It wasn’t that clear.

[Genevieva]

The answer is that you need to make your own judgement. People age at different rates, but by and large the risks increase with age. A 50 year old who is over weight, has diabetes and heart problems is probably 'older' than a fit and healthy 70 year old. However, both are more vulnerable to getting pneumonia and not surviving it than a fit and healthy 50 year old.

Everyone is being told to avoid all unnecessary social contact, so there isn't a huge difference between self-isolating and not self-isolating. We all need to do our bit.